Residents on the municipal water system in Empire are being told to boil their water until further notice after coliform bacteria was detected in samples taken Nov. 1.

The state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a “boil water” notice for the village Tuesday, citing presence of the bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may also be present.

“If that stuff is surviving (in the system), there’s a chance that more dangerous bacteria like e-coli and fecal coliform could be there too,” said Dave Maynard, DEQ environmental quality analyst.

Additional tests conducted Nov. 2 confirmed the presence of the bacteria in two of five samples taken from two different sites.

The village Department of Public Works has introduced chlorine into the system — both the storage tank and service lines — to kill bacteria present.

The boil water order will be lifted after the DPW takes two sets of five samples, 24 hours apart, in which no coliform bacteria is found. In the meantime, the DEQ issued the following:

• Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil. Let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.

• People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their doctor.

• Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

• Homeowners with point of entry charcoal filters (near the meter) should remove the filters until after system disinfection is completed to allow household plumbing to be disinfected. Point of use filters (at kitchen/bath sink) may remain in use.

Charcoal filters are intended to remove taste/odor but may allow bacteria to pass through.

Empire’s public water system is the oldest in the county and serves the village population of 378, Maynard said.